Tayrae77

@rising_star, I'm sorry, I didn't know that you couldn't post the same thing in multiple forums? That was actually suggested here. So, I guess I'd rather delete this one if I can't have it in both. This is my first post and seemed like it made sense to post in both areas due to cross-over.

Hello! I've been doing a lot of research into IR programs, and was wondering what the less-quant heavy or balanced programs might be? I'm not afraid of quant, I just don't think a program that's heavy in that area will be the best preparation for what I want to to. A bit about me: Planning to transfer to UC Berkeley from a CA community college: double major in Peace and Conflict Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. I'm particularly interested in addressing the global refugee crisis, NGO work, humanitarian work, etc. Think International Rescue Committee and Human Rights Watch. Would prefer to end up based in CA. So, I want a program that balances policy and economic analysis with thorough sociopolitical analysis, if that makes sense. For example, a little more classes exploring specific parts of the world, groups, social problems, specific political dynamics, and a little less higher math and preparation to work crafting policy. Academically rigorous, of course. Again, I do want a balance, I've just been finding mostly high ranking programs preparing individuals for a career IN policy, whereas I want to work more on the ground and possibly advocate for policy changes. Thank you!

Thank you! I appreciate the advice; I've posted there as well. I'm planning to get a strong foundation in quant methods, I just don't think a program heavy in them will be the best preparation for my aspirations.

Hello! I've been doing a lot of research into IR programs, and was wondering what the less-quant heavy or balanced programs might be? I'm not afraid of quant, I just don't think a program that's heavy in that area will be the best preparation for what I want to to. A bit about me: Planning to transfer to UC Berkeley from a CA community college: double major in Peace and Conflict Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. I'm particularly interested in addressing the global refugee crisis, NGO work, humanitarian work, etc. Think International Rescue Committee and Human Rights Watch. Would prefer to end up based in CA. So, I want a program that balances policy and economic analysis with thorough sociopolitical analysis, if that makes sense. For example, a little more classes exploring specific parts of the world, groups, social problems, specific political dynamics, and a little less higher math and preparation to work crafting policy. Academically rigorous, of course. Again, I do want a balance, I've just been finding mostly high ranking programs preparing individuals for a career IN policy, whereas I want to work more on the ground and possibly advocate for policy changes. Thank you!